Everything you need to know about hypertension (high blood pressure)

High Blood Pressure 1:30 min watch Published 20 May 2025 Dr Ravi Assomull, Consultant Cardiologist

Hypertension is the number one modifiable risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, yet millions of people in the UK have no idea they even have it. In this video, Dr Ravi Assomull explains why high blood pressure is such a serious threat, why it often goes unnoticed, and how simple changes can make a life-saving difference. ✅ Learn how to check your blood pressure ✅ Understand the risks of untreated hypertension ✅ Discover how lifestyle and medication can help you stay in control

Learn more about High blood pressure or book a consultation with Dr Assomull – no GP referral needed, appointments typically within one working day.

Transcript

In this video I want to talk to you about something that affects a lot of people, often without them even knowing about it, and that's high blood pressure. Did you know that hypertension is the number one modifiable risk factor that we can actually change to protect ourselves from heart disease and strokes? It's true and yet around 30% of adults in the UK have it.

That's about 16 million people and at least half aren't getting the treatment they need. Even more worrying, up to five and a half million adults could be walking around undiagnosed. That means no symptoms, no warning signs, but a much higher degree of serious problems down the line.

In fact, high blood pressure is linked to about half of all heart attacks and strokes and for every 20 points your blood pressure rises above normal, your risk of dying from heart disease doubles. But here's the good news, we can do something about it. Hypertension is completely manageable.

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of a change in your lifestyle that may mean healthier meals, a bit more movement, keeping an eye on your stress and sometimes you may need medication as well. The most important step? Knowing your numbers.

Checking your blood pressure is quick, easy and it could save your life.

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